Knowra Media franchise Media franchise A set of related creative works and products built around shared characters, settings, or intellectual property across one or more media. Its installments may be produced by different creators and companies.
Intellectual property : Creations of the mind protected by legal rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Copyrights and trademarks provide the legal assets that can be licensed across franchise products.
Franchising : A business arrangement in which a franchisor licenses a business model and brand to independent operators. Despite the shared word, this business model is distinct from creative-property franchising.
Star Wars : A science-fiction franchise created by George Lucas, centered on conflicts across a fictional galaxy. Its films, television series, books, games, and licensed products exemplify cross-media expansion.
Standalone film : A film whose story is designed to be understood without requiring other installments in a continuing series. It contrasts with franchise installments that rely on recurring properties or connections.
Transmedia storytelling : A narrative technique in which distinct media platforms contribute complementary parts to a story world. Some franchises expand their stories through installments designed for different media.
Copyright : A legal right that protects original expressive works and controls certain uses of them. Copyright governs adaptation and reproduction of many stories and characters.
Marvel Cinematic Universe : A connected superhero film and television franchise based on characters from Marvel Comics. Its interlinked releases organize a large franchise around shared screen continuity.
Film series : A sequence of films connected by a continuing story, characters, or premise. A film series may be one part of a broader franchise spanning other media and products.
Shared universe : A fictional setting in which multiple stories or works share continuity, characters, or events. A shared fictional continuity is one common structure for linking franchise installments.
Trademark : A sign that identifies the source of goods or services and distinguishes them from others. Trademarks protect franchise names and logos used to identify authorized products.
Show all 20